VETERANS “FOREVER GI BILL”

New Changes to Education Benefit for Veterans and Families with the “Forever GI Bill”

With the recent passage of the Harry W. Colmery Educational Assistance Act of 2017, more commonly known as the “Forever GI Bill,” the VA takes another step in expanding educational opportunities to those who served. And, as part of National Veterans and Military Families Month (November), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is reminding veterans and their families of the many educational benefits that are part of their service, and the new changes recently enacted.

Deemed as one of the most successful and important veteran programs, the GI Bill program has helped millions of service members, veterans, and their families since 1944 in pursuing their education and career goals, as well as assisting in their reintegration into the civilian community.

Curtis L. Coy, Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, discusses changes and highlights that include:

* Elimination of 15-year limitation to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Previously, veterans had to use their Post-9/11 GI Bill within 15 years of their last 90-day period of active-duty service)

* Assistance for students affected by school closures

* Restoring benefits to those who lost them after the sunset of the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

* Using the GI Bill for independent study programs at career and technical education schools

* Permanent authorization of the work-study program

VA has begun implementing the major provisions that went into in effect the day the President signed the Act into law. Thirteen of 34 provisions have an immediate and positive effect on Veterans and their families using VA benefits to pursue their education goals throughout their lifetime.

Get more information at Benefits.va.gov or 888-GIBill1.

Related links:  Veterans Benefits